Organised Labour has reaffirmed its commitment to a new minimum wage of N250,000, rejecting proposals of N62,000 and N100,000 as “starvation wages.” The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Assistant General Secretary, Chris Onyeka, emphasized that the union will not accept anything less than N250,000, which it considers a reasonable concession to the government and other social partners.
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, clarified that the submission of N62,000 by the government and employers does not mean labour has accepted it as the new minimum wage. Instead, labour is waiting for President Bola Tinubu to consider its proposal of N250,000. Ajaero expressed hope that the President will make the right decision, citing the wide gap between the two proposed figures.
The NLC has given the Federal Government a one-week ultimatum, which expires on Tuesday, to act on its demands. If the government fails to respond, the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) will meet to decide on the next course of action, including a possible resumption of the nationwide industrial action.
Ajaero criticized state governors who have rejected the N62,000 minimum wage proposal, saying they should decentralize their salaries and emoluments first. He pointed out that some governors, like Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, are already paying N70,000 as minimum wage, showing that it is feasible.
The NLC has accused the government of financial mismanagement and wasteful practices, which are to blame for the economic difficulties in the country. The union believes that the government’s profligacy and assumption that some people should live well while the majority suffer is unfair and undemocratic.
The NLC and TUC are prepared to negotiate in good faith but will not accept a “starvation wage.” The union has warned that any attempt to impose a lower minimum wage will be met with resistance, and the appropriate organs of labour will take appropriate decisions.